Tried the cheap grout sealer from the hardware store and got a weird surprise

I used the $8 grout sealer spray from the big box store on my kitchen backsplash last month. After three weeks, the grout started turning a yellowish color in spots where water splashes. Called the store and they said that brand just does that sometimes with lighter grout. Anyone else have this happen or is there a better sealer under $15 that actually works?

2 comments

2 Comments

the_faith2d ago

Used to think any sealer was better than none, but that yellowing was a rude awakening I wouldn't wish on anyone. The water-based penetrating kind from a tile shop really does soak in and bead up water without changing the color at all. Your mileage may vary, but for grout you can see every day, I'd save myself the headache of fixing it later.

williamm822d ago

Cheap sealers are basically just water with a little bit of silicone mixed in, in my experience you get what you pay for. The grout is porous and that stuff just sits on top instead of soaking down where it needs to be. Your best bet under $15 is probably a water-based penetrating sealer from a tile supply place even if you have to drive a little bit to find one.